What is a Tailors Bunion?
A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a deformity of the foot that affects the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. It is similar to a traditional bunion, which affects the big toe, but occurs on the opposite side of the foot.
A tailor’s bunion is characterized by a painful and swollen bump on the outside of the foot near the base of the little toe. This bump can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, footwear that is too tight or too narrow, or a structural abnormality in the foot that places extra pressure on the fifth metatarsal bone.
How do you treat a Tailors Bunion?
Here are some treatment options:
Wear comfortable shoes: Avoid wearing shoes that put pressure on the bunionette. Wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid high heels.
Padding: Use padding or cushioning over the bunionette to reduce friction and pressure.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. This will not address the structural issues but of course mitigate some of the symptoms associated with the bunionette.
Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help relieve pain and swelling.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the foot, which can reduce the pressure on the bunionette.
Injection: In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain. Some times irritation of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint can be relieved using a corticosteroid injection.
Surgery: If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be necessary. The surgeon will remove the bony prominence and realign the bone to relieve pressure on the affected area.
It is best to seek an in person consultation and evaluation with your foot and ankle surgeon at PS Foot and Ankle for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment options.